Ringworm

[redangel]

I remember my aunt adopting a feral kitten 20 years ago which subsequently got ringworm. I clearly remember getting a lesion on my hand. Question. I was of the understanding that ringworm occurs in the soil substrate naturally and it is only when immune deficient animals/man contacted an area thus affected would gain infection.

If so unless there is a direct contact probability or formite transferal from an affected animal one cannot eleminate the chance of ringworm completely? I ask this as I read on a website about fostering kittens and one of the questions was about ringworm infection.

Once ringworm has been on a property...is cleaning areas with halamid/antifungal preperations the animal had contact with may be the only measure?

I ask this as I have often thought about fostering but want to ensure I dont risk problems further down the track.

[Kirty]

I will tell you what I do to avoid outbreaks. I have had a few foster cats/kittens with ringworm now and never had it spread beyond those animals.

Basically everything is quarantined for at least two weeks. During this time, kittens are kept in an enclosure or easily cleaned room (bathroom, laundry, etc). I use F10 with the fosters - I use it to clean trays, floor, and even spray it lightly on the cats then 'scruff' it in with my hands. I also spray F10 on my hands, clothes and shoes after handling kittens. Once quarantine is up, I relax the disinfecting a bit. :)

[redangel]

Thanks Kirty.